When I was little (and even up to this day), my dad would always say this at the beginning of his prayer before dinner: "Father God, we thank You for Your grace and mercy in our lives through Christ Jesus..." I had heard it so often, I think at times my mind kind of glossed over, much like when reciting the pledge of allegiance in grade school. I think if you asked any of my four siblings if they could recite Dad's prayer, they could do it on command. How ironic that just recently, I was told that I needed to show more grace and mercy.
When I think of grace and mercy, immediately images of mother-like, beautiful and demure women come to mind. And they're always smiling and beautifully dressed in these summer-like floral dresses. They are clean and bright and lovely- in the perfect posture to give all the grace and mercy you could ever want. But these women are my emotions talking.
"Father God, we thank You for Your grace and mercy in our lives through CHRIST JESUS..."
I am quickly reminded that grace and mercy was borne on a cross. It wasn't clean and bright and lovely. People mocked it, and many still do today. Jesus said, "Take up your cross and follow me." See, I want the cross that looks like those women in the flowery dresses. That's when I'll REALLY be able to show grace and mercy. I need to shower and dress and do my hair and clean my apartment...then I'll be ready to....impress. To gain favor. Then I'll be able to give favor and grace and mercy. I am, of course, speaking tongue in cheek.
Jesus loved us while we were still yet sinners. We are commanded by Scripture to love those who persecute you. We are told by Scripture that "anger of man does not bring about the righteousness of God."
"Father God, we thank You for Your grace and mercy in our lives through Christ Jesus..."
God's truth does not return void. He blesses fathers who are faithful in bringing up their children in fear and admonition of the Lord.
Thanks, Dad.
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6 comments:
Isn't it amazing the power of idealism? Would that we were stupider! Then we could just obey because we are commanded to and not because the situation fits our mental image (something which almost never happens).
Also, I'm offended by everything that you've written.
bec,
thanks for your words
love,
dad
Wow, Reba, you write very eloquently. You should write more often!
love,
your friend in maine
It seems when you're younger, grace and mercy are more difficult to extend....When you're older, and you've made a miriad of mistakes, realizing that God is very patient with you, then it becomes easier (Notice that I didn't say "easy").
JoMa
Hey Miss Becca!! :) I really injoyed this one!!! With all my heart, K-bear!
Thank you for the reminder. After a noncompassionate cop pulled me over on Sunday (my baby sitter called crying because she didn't know what was wrong with my baby). But I was speeding and that officer stuck it to me for everything she could find. I have been bitter all week. And things just seem to be getting worse. This is just the reminder I needed. Thank you. God Bless and keep blogging!
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